media-releases

SAFE BERTHING FOR VESSELS AT PORTARLINGTON

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville MP today officially opened the newly completed Portarlington Safe Harbour, paving the way for more boats to dock at the pier, and more visitors to the Peninsula.

The Victorian Government invested $15 million in the project to improve recreational and commercial boat access to the pier.

Major infrastructure upgrades include: two rock breakwaters to the east and north of the pier, a new 190-metre long concrete commercial berthing area and 27 commercial berths serviced with water and electricity.

The harbour will bolster the region’s aquaculture industry, promote tourism and accelerate economic growth across the Bellarine Peninsula.

Ms Neville said, “This project supports the Bellarine Peninsula’s growing aquaculture industry and will help boost economic development in the region.”

The completed harbour will provide all weather access for commercial fishing, recreational vessels and passenger ferry services as well as a range of marine industry access upgrades.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector and is set to overtake capture fisheries as the major source of seafood. It is a crucial industry for the local area and is celebrated every year with the Mussel Festival.

Ms Neville said, “This investment by the Victorian Government integrates the broader Victorian community with the unique cultural and natural experiences that the Bellarine Peninsula has to offer.”

The Bellarine is now easier to explore than ever before. Victorians can now head down to Portarlington on the Port Phillip Ferry from Docklands, which connects the heart of the Melbourne to the Bellarine Peninsula.

“Already these works have seen increased visitation to the pier, allowing more people to enjoy this beautiful spot.” Ms Neville said.